Caring for a pet with a specialized diet can be challenging, especially if your pet has allergies or other dietary restrictions. To ensure that your pet gets the nutrition it needs and doesn’t experience any adverse side effects from its food, it’s important to follow a few key steps. It is also essential to remember this journey might not be a linear one. There will be trials and errors, ups and downs.
First, start by identifying your pet’s specific allergies or dietary restrictions. This entire process WILL involve consulting with your veterinarian. Please do not do some research online and consider yourself an expert. There are reasons that vets go to school for so long. Instead, please make an appointment to learn more about the foods best suited for your pet’s needs.
Once you clearly understand what your pet should and shouldn’t eat, it’s essential to choose a high-quality diet specifically formulated for pets with allergies or other dietary restrictions. Again, this will involve consulting with your veterinarian to find a trusted brand of specialized pet food that works with your budget and the convenience of where it is sold. Most hospitals – including ours, has an online pharmacy that will ship prescription diets right to your front door!
Next, stick to a regular feeding schedule for your pet. I know this is a tough one, folks. I hate following directions just as much as the next person. However, if there is any time to follow instructions religiously, it would be when your pet has a prescription diet or allergy. This will help ensure your pet consistently gets the nutrition it needs and minimizes any potentially disruptive digestive issues caused by changing its eating habits. (Those disruptive ingredients can stay in their system for up to 6 weeks! One treat is not worth six weeks of itching and licking all night long.)
Finally, work with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s progress and adjust its diet as needed. This may involve regular blood tests or other assessments to ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients it needs while avoiding any allergies or sensitivities that could arise from a specialized diet. You can help your pet thrive on a specialized diet and enjoy a healthier, happier life with proper care and attention. Remember that your vet staff is on your side, and we know how frustrating this process can be.
